Packers should help NFL continue long-running playoff trend in 2018

The NFL options an intriguing mixture of constant winners and constant parity.

The groups with top-of-the-line franchise quarterbacks are close to locks to make the playoffs virtually yearly. Tom Brady and the New England Patriots have made the playoffs 9 straight years, tying an NFL report. The Green Bay Packers made it eight straight years earlier than dropping Aaron Rodgers to damage final season. Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers are at present having fun with a four-year run of playoff appearances. Teams quarterbacked by Peyton Manning and Brett Favre made it virtually each season.

But parity additionally weighs closely on the postseason. Every 12 months, there’s a recent batch of groups making the playoffs. In truth, yearly since 1990, or the primary 12 months of the NFL’s new 12-team playoff format, a minimum of 4 groups that missed the playoffs the earlier season rebounded to qualify for the postseason.

The Packers might help continue that unbelievable streak in 2018.

A panel of ESPN’s NFL experts picked the Packers because the second more than likely workforce to make playoffs after lacking out in 2017. Of the 22 consultants, 20 consider the Packers will rebound from a 7-9 season to get again into the NFC area in 2018.

The Houston Texans have been picked because the more than likely workforce to make the bounce. The different three groups among the many 5 have been the Los Angeles Chargers, Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers.

The return of Rodgers, the arrival of latest defensive coordinator Mike Pettine and the veteran additions made by new GM Brian Gutekunst should help the Packers higher compete for a playoff spot in 2018.

Green Bay hasn’t missed the playoffs in back-to-back seasons since 2005 and 2006.

Who would the Packers change? ESPN recognized the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons as two of the more than likely groups to overlook the playoffs after making it in 2017. The New Orleans Saints additionally acquired votes, which is a transparent indication that consultants consider the NFC South will take a step again in 2018.

The NFC is loaded with proficient groups able to qualifying for the playoffs, making it possible that a minimum of just a few groups will probably be shuffled in and out of the six-team area by the tip of 2018.

If Rodgers stays wholesome and Pettine’s protection beneficial properties competency, the Packers should be one of many groups to help the NFL lengthen a tremendous run of parity in the playoff area. Then once more, the Packers making the playoffs for the ninth time in 10 years would actually be the other of parity.